Ocean Isle Beach, NC 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Ocean Isle Beach is a popular retirement destination in North Carolina, and a part of Myrtle Beach’s metropolitan area in South Carolina. Its ideal location and warm weather have made it a desirable option for active adults. Aside from that, the town is home to many outdoor attractions, and plenty of annual concerts, festivals, and parades. 

Climate & Geography 

A seaside town of Brunswick County, Ocean Isle Beach is on the southern end of North Carolina. Summers are hot and humid, while temperatures during the winter are rarely freezing and there is minimal snow. Residents can expect more rain than the national average and over 200 sunny days a year. 

Along the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean Isle Beach is home to plenty of beaches, marsh savannas, and nature areas. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

There are plenty of opportunities for residents of Ocean Isle Beach to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. Of course, the beaches of the town are the most prominent attractions, but there are many others. These include the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Shallotte River Swamp Park & Outdoor Center, each offering unique interactions with nature. 

Aside from these, the town is home to many local shops and restaurants. Residents enjoy visiting the wineries and pubs around town such as Silver Coast Winery. Being in between the bigger cities of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, residents are in driving distance of plenty more amenities. 

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ocean Isle Beach is higher than both state and national averages. This is due to the housing cost which is well above the U.S median. Other categories such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are lower in costs when compared nationwide. 

North Carolina does not tax Social Security benefits, and homeowners 65 and older may qualify for an Elderly Exclusion on property taxes. The sales tax rate for North Carolina is 4.75 percent and Ocean Isle Beach does add a 2 percent tax on that rate. 

Health Care 

As a part of Myrtle Beach’s metropolitan area, residents of Ocean Isle Beach can visit some of the city’s best hospitals. The two high performing hospitals in the area as ranked by U.S News are Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and McLeod Loris Seacoast Hospital, each of which are highly-rated in treating heart failure.